The Sokoto State government asserted that the intending pilgrims who were attacked were rescued unscathed. This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity to the state governor, Muhammad Bello, on Monday.
On the early hours of 20th June Monday, bandits have attacked intending pilgrims from Issa Local Government Area of Sokoto State who were on their way to the state capital for their onward journey to Saudi Arabia.
The Permanent Secretary, Sokoto state Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alh. Shehu Muhammad Dange said the victims were kidnapped at Gundumi village alongside security escort and some members of their families who accompanied them.
The statement quoted the state Commissioner for Information, Isah Bajini Galadanchi, saying the intending pilgrims, their relatives, and security men who were accompanying them to the hajj camp were held up by the bandits.
“They attacked their convoy, which was being escorted by security operatives who were said to have engaged the bandits for some minutes.
“The contingent has already been received by government officials and is being processed for their onward journey to the Holy Land,” the statement maintained.
We also learnt that some of the operatives sustained injuries, which is not verified. However, the statement did not reveals who were responsible for their rescue.
